ISO Standards

According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) there are over 21000 international standards that are published by them which affect every aspect of technology and business. There is a standard for pasta, lawnmowers and even toothbrushes(ISO Focus+ 2012). Whether you know it or not standards are involved in every aspect of life and everything we do. From using our cellular phones, home appliances, paying bills to children playing with their toys standards are used everywhere. Essentially a quality standard is a specific requirement that must be met by products and services in order to be fit for their purpose. Standards are developed by the ISO with the input of consumers worldwide. Quality standards therefore, allow

Protection of the consumer is the main aim of quality standards." ISO standards support the development and trade of goods and services which better meet consumers’ expectations for safety and health, fitness for purpose, environmental protection and other qualities." (ISO and the Consumer 2009). It is important that all products are safe for use. Standards improve safety for products by setting minimum requirements for children's toys, cell phones and fire safety for electrical appliances microwaves, etc. In Jamaica agencies that enforce quality standards include the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), Consumer Affairs Commission(CAC), Jamaica Fair Trading Commission(FTC) and the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR). The BSJ is responsible for developing standards for which all products, services and processes must comply as well as the inspection of manufacturing and production operations to ensure that specified standards are met. This is beneficial to consumers as all products and services have to meet the standards of the BSJ before they are made available to Jamaican consumers. They are also involved in testing of products and examining and calibrating instruments used in trade. The main role of the CAC is to empower and inform Jamaican consumers in order for them to be better protected in the market place. The FTC ensures the conduct of businesses in the market is fair to consumers. The OUR

By setting the minimum requirement for all products and services, standards allow them to be internationally accepted and be of the same high quality as the rest of the world. Three benefits of quality standards include; the protection of consumers, improvement in the quality and reliability of products and transparency in product information and consistency. Agencies such as the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), Consumer Affairs Commission(CAC), Jamaica Fair Trading Commission(FTC) and the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) all ensure Jamaican consumers receive these benefits. Therefore, quality standards are developed for standardization with the benefit of all consumers at the